Pet Lovers

Could use some tips on my Cavachon Pup!

Pet Lovers

Posted by: mistymae53

3rd Nov 2012 11:24pm

I have just become Mum to a beautiful little male pup, his name is Dexter, it didn't take long, he has worked out that I'm a pushover, I would love some tips on the best food to feed him, and I wondered if other dog owners feed their dogs "Barf" Grateful for all tips!

Comments 10

simla
  • 23rd Nov 2012 11:03pm

Hi mistymae53. I agree with what has been said so far. the big thing to check out with dry food, as I see it, is that the preservatives some brands use are not good over time, can cause problems with kidneys and liver. So as stated natural diet is best. If a skin trouble develops, cut out beef and wheat products. Do not feed onions, avacado, grapes,sultanas.( Dr Harry's advice) Cooked bones, even the non splintering type, are often a cause of bowel blockage, impaction due to causing constipation. Often needing an operation to save dogs life. Raw bones can be given in proportion of say 25 % of a meal. Dry biscuits can be a cause of ruptured stomach if a dog gorges on them dry, then drinks a lot of water. The biscuits swell up inside the dog. Best to soak them first if feeding more than a few. Eggs are a good supplement.Milk can be cause of loose motions, due to the casene /lactose content. Carnation evaporated milk has been processed and the structure changed so does not have that problem. Long life milk also processed,is ok it seems. Cheese is very valuable, contains calcium as well as vitamins needed for healthy growth. A couple of drops of Pentavite baby vitamin drops are good for both dogs and cats(kittens & puppies) a few times a week. Be sure to vaccinate on time, particularly till 2 years old. Worming is important, and check your area for tick and heartworm presence with your vet. That should get you on your way! Good luck to you and your new baby puppy.


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mistymae53
  • 24th Nov 2012 06:11pm
Hi mistymae53. I agree with what has been said so far. the big thing to check out with dry food, as I see it, is that the preservatives some brands use are not good over time, can cause problems...

I have only tried chicken necks and just recently chicken wings, the advice about other types of bones is great help, Dexxy has been vaccinated but I was unable to get him to take his worming tablets. I feed Dex Eukanuba puppy dry food only, its expensive but I think it is better for him while he is so young at any rate. I had heard eggs are a good supplement, the Pentavite tip is a really good idea. I didn't realize I could give him some processed milk, another really good idea. Thanks again for your wonderful tips, I've always had cats but not really puppy wise.

mistymae53
  • 24th Nov 2012 06:11pm
Hi mistymae53. I agree with what has been said so far. the big thing to check out with dry food, as I see it, is that the preservatives some brands use are not good over time, can cause problems...

I have only tried chicken necks and just recently chicken wings, the advice about other types of bones is great help, Dexxy has been vaccinated but I was unable to get him to take his worming tablets. I feed Dex Eukanuba puppy dry food only, its expensive but I think it is better for him while he is so young at any rate. I had heard eggs are a good supplement, the Pentavite tip is a really good idea. I didn't realize I could give him some processed milk, another really good idea. Thanks again for your wonderful tips, I've always had cats but not really puppy wise.

Marg
  • 14th Nov 2012 02:57pm

My best recommendation would be for you to feed the dog as naturally as possible, this will reduce problems with weight etc and keep him as healthy as possible. I have owned Belgian Tervurens for nearly 30 years, and the best advice I had was from the breeder who said that her vet bills are now over 80% less since she had been feeding her dogs on a natural diet. Considering she has over 15 dogs at any stage, that is a huge saving. A natural diet would be Chicken necks (raw), Chicken carcasses (raw) beef bones (raw) etc. No cooked bones, you can also add vegies and rice etc, but I try to keep away from too much processed food. Just look at it from our own point of view, how would you feel if all you ate was processed food and had no fresh vegies, fruit etc? Same idea, although you can probably supplement with a good brand of dog biscuits if need be, but if you keep the diet to say 70% natural and the rest dog biscuits you should do ok as well. Anyway, none of my dogs have ever had bad breath, bad teeth, lost teeth, or impacted glands which I associate with having a natural (or as natural as possible) a diet as possible. Good luck with your new baby.

mistymae53
  • 16th Nov 2012 10:22pm
Yes the chicken bones (and necks) must be raw as well as any beef/pork/lamb bones. Never feed any cooked bones to your dog as they can splinter and cause huge problems for your dog. If I don't...

Thankyou so much for clarifying that, I did think cooked bones would be unsafe but I wasn't sure. I feed Dexter on Eukanubra dry food, a little expensive but it was conditional to buy the food at the time the pup was purchased. He does seem to like it I must admit! All of your tips are greatly appreciated!

Marg
  • 16th Nov 2012 10:35am
Thankyou for your feedback, I do feed Dexter some raw food, namely BARF and also he has some chicken wings and necks from time to time. I thought some home cooked meals in small quantities maybe ok...

Yes the chicken bones (and necks) must be raw as well as any beef/pork/lamb bones. Never feed any cooked bones to your dog as they can splinter and cause huge problems for your dog. If I don't have enough raw food I then supplement with a small amount of dry food (only a quarter of a cup) and I have a big Belgian Tervuren, so the raw food is generally enough for him. If you can't get them from your supermarket, try the local butcher, they tend to reduce the cost of the bones just to get rid of them. Just try not to get anything with too much fat on them and you'll be fine. If you can feed fussy cats then you'll be fine with a dog - I have lots of cats as well and believe me, dogs are easier ! Good luck

mistymae53
  • 15th Nov 2012 10:32pm
My best recommendation would be for you to feed the dog as naturally as possible, this will reduce problems with weight etc and keep him as healthy as possible. I have owned Belgian Tervurens for...

Thankyou for your feedback, I do feed Dexter some raw food, namely BARF and also he has some chicken wings and necks from time to time. I thought some home cooked meals in small quantities maybe ok as well for variety. I noticed you mentioned chicken carcusses, did you mean raw, as I thought cooked bones could cause choking, I'm really winging it as I've always had cats mostly in the past. All of your suggestions are appreciated and I will take them onboard very seriously. Kind regards!

mistymae53
  • 15th Nov 2012 10:32pm
My best recommendation would be for you to feed the dog as naturally as possible, this will reduce problems with weight etc and keep him as healthy as possible. I have owned Belgian Tervurens for...

Thankyou for your feedback, I do feed Dexter some raw food, namely BARF and also he has some chicken wings and necks from time to time. I thought some home cooked meals in small quantities maybe ok as well for variety. I noticed you mentioned chicken carcusses, did you mean raw, as I thought cooked bones could cause choking, I'm really winging it as I've always had cats mostly in the past. All of your suggestions are appreciated and I will take them onboard very seriously. Kind regards!

margecd
  • 4th Nov 2012 04:57am

home cooked foods is great, lots of vegies, rice, grated carrot (this helps to keep their weight down) mince meat (beef, chicken etc) can be cooked and some put in tubs and frozen for later. Also good quality dry bikkies
hope this helps ...... enjoy your new little friend!

mistymae53
  • 5th Nov 2012 11:25am
home cooked foods is great, lots of vegies, rice, grated carrot (this helps to keep their weight down) mince meat (beef, chicken etc) can be cooked and some put in tubs and frozen for later. ...

Thankyou so much for your advice, I am actually trying to find some puppy food recipes on the net, like you I do think they are a good idea! Kind regards!

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